National Instruments Announces PMU Application for Grid Automation System

National Instruments, the provider of platform-based systems that enable engineers and scientists to solve the world’s greatest engineering challenges, has announced a new phasor measurement unit (PMU) hardware platform for the NI Grid Automation System. Operators can use this technology to gain better insight into grid health so they can tailor measurement solutions to meet their specific and evolving needs.

The Grid Automation System is based on the embedded control and acquisition system. The processing unit runs a deterministic version of Linux Real-Time with a fully programmable software application layer that helps blend custom requirements with commercial off-the-shelf hardware. The new system ships with PMU technology that functions out of the box and meets ANSI Standard C37.118.1a-2014, or as an open LabVIEW software project for customization.

As grid owners face challenges with renewable generation, energy storage, plug-in electric vehicles, interconnects and increasing demand, companies are seeking solutions to simplify substation automation while improving measurement visibility. As a result, PMU technology has become a mainstream tool for power systems engineers. However, this type of control platform requires a manual approach to measurement and is often tied to equipment providers. Open PMU technology resources are valuable to companies that need to develop a platform quickly, while still retaining freedom in both hardware and software design and specifications. 

National Grid UK used CompactRIO to design its own custom measurement system for harmonic measurement. The company is using this technology to measure, collate and analyze power quality on the UK transmission network.